Page 127 of The Unraveling of Julia

Marshal Vernio smiled gently, his manner newly paternal. “Ms. Pritzker, this incident will arouse great public interest. The media is already gathering outside. Residents heard the sirens and saw police action. The Boboli is a major tourist attraction, known worldwide. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Julia answered, but she didn’t know where he was going.

“So, if I file your account in your official statement, it will attract the press and the media, perhaps from all over the world. That will result in reporters, questions, stories, and headlines about you, for years to come. The notoriety will upend your life.” Marshal Vernio opened his palms. “Therefore, I suggest that I draft a statement for your signature, which will set forth the above version of the incident, with Nardini accidentally falling.” Marshal Vernio paused, expectantly. “Will you…?”

“What?” Julia asked, puzzled. “Sign?”

“Yes, and will you also…?”

Courtney interjected, “She’ll shut up, Marshal Vernio.”

Julia looked over. “Shut up about what, Courtney? That’s not what happened.”

Courtney smiled, amused. “He knows that, Jules. He needs a pitch for the media. This way, they get their headlines and clicks, and you won’t be ‘The Crazy American Who Turned Blue in the Boboli.’”

Julia caught up. “Oh.”

Courtney winked. “Welcome to sales, honey.”

Julia left the marshal’s office with Courtney and one of the officers. He led them to a waiting area filled with people, among them Fiamma, who rose, her eyes full of concern.

“How nice of you to wait.” Julia crossed to her, happily surprised, but Fiamma’s manner seemed tentative, after the Boboli.

“Of course. How did it go?”

“Fine, thanks.”

“I thought we might talk, but you’re probably too exhausted tonight. You’ve been through an ordeal.”

“No, I’m fine.” Julia was dying to talk to her. “Let’s talk. This officer is going to take us home.”

“Okay, where are you staying?”

Oh no.Julia realized that she had no idea if Fiamma knew Rossi had passed. “Uh, I’m sorry to tell you, but your mother—”

“I know she’s dead,” Fiamma said matter-of-factly.

Okay.“Well, I’m staying at the villa you grew up in.”

Fiamma hesitated. “I’ll meet you there.”

Julia climbed into the back of the police cruiser next to Courtney, but before they left Florence, she called the hospital to check on Gianluca. His condition hadn’t changed, but that didn’t come as any relief.

The cruiser took off, gliding through the dark night with two cops in the front seat. A faint greenish glow emanated from their laptop, and a perforated barrier divided the front from the back seat, which were bucket seats of hard black plastic. The air smelled like stale cigarettes.

Julia turned to Courtney, since it was the first time they’d gotten to speak, just the two of them. “Court, I can’t thank you enough for what you did.”

“Please, I love you, I’m so happy you’re okay. How are you, honey?” Courtney eyed her with sympathy, in the lights from passing traffic.

“I’m okay.” Julia was trying to get calm. “I’m glad it’s over.”

“I bet, that must have been so scary in the garden.”

Julia shuddered. “It was, but I’m glad they’re going to put those guys away. I want them locked up for good.”

“They will. I liked Vernio. I have confidence in him.” Courtney hesitated. “Are you really okay with me leaving tomorrow? I could squeeze in another day.”

“I’m fine. Go home, you’ve been amazing.”